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The NFL Draft is a general manager's best friend when it comes to building a roster for the long term.

But a little immediacy can't hurt.

Impact rookies literally can change the outlook of their franchises. In other cases, they can elevate playoff hopefuls to title contenders. Ask the Cowboys what Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott did for them in 2016, for example.

These players have chances to provide similar effects for their respective teams in 2017, and NFL veterans will know their names by the end of the season.

Myles Garrett, DE, Browns

Of course the No. 1 overall draft pick will have an immediate impact. Garrett will slide right into a defensive end role in Cleveland, and while he’ll be expected to deliver on his promise to get after quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger, the rookie will be relied upon to help improve a rush defense that ranked 31st last year in yards allowed.

Solomon Thomas, DL, 49ers

Like the Browns, the 49ers will need their rookie defensive lineman to help improve their rush defense, which last year was the worst in the NFL. Thomas will be a problem for opposing offensive linemen from Day 1, both inside and at end. If San Francisco wins more than its projected total of 4.5 games in 2017, the defense — and Thomas — will be a primary reason.

Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars

Jacksonville with Fournette is hoping for an Ezekiel Elliott-like impact, which would change the identity of its offense and take loads of the offensive production burden away from quarterback Blake Bortles. Though Lamar Miller and DeMarco Murray might disagree, Fournette has a chance to be labeled the best running back in the AFC South after (if not during) his rookie season.

Corey Davis, WR, Titans

Davis was drafted in the top 5 as an obvious play to provide quarterback Marcus Mariota a reliable, play-making receiver. Whether the rookie or Rishard Matthews is considered Tennessee’s “No 1” wideout does not matter — if Davis plays well enough, he’ll attract top cornerback coverage and change the way opponents defend the Titans.

Jamal Adams, S, Jets

New York has bigger problems than those that exist on defense. But there's a reason, as SN’s Vinnie Iyer notes, Adams is the best bet to win 2017 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s a special safety who can do it all and immediately improve the Jets’ defense as a whole.

Mike Williams, WR, Chargers

With this pick and its selection of two offensive linemen (we’ll get to those guys later), Los Angeles made an obvious effort to make sure Philip Rivers’ twilight years at QB are properly supplemented. Good luck defending his jump-ball passes to Williams, particularly in the red zone.

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers

While McCaffrey’s specific role in Carolina’s offense is not and might never be clear, his impact will be felt immediately. Panthers officials and coaches made no secret of their intention to spice up the offense in an effort to rejuvenate quarterback Cam Newton. McCaffrey is the perfect ingredient.

Marshon Lattimore, CB, Saints

While young corners typically take longer to make their impacts in the NFL, New Orleans’ depth at the position suggests Lattimore will have plenty chances to show off his talents as a rookie. He might even push P.J. Williams and/or Delvin Breaux for a starting spot on the outside.

Deshaun Watson, QB, Texans

We’re not buying what the Texans are selling when they say they’re comfortable with Tom Savage at quarterback in 2017. It’s on Watson to pick up the playbook/offense quickly enough to earn the job, but if he does, there’s no reason to believe he can’t immediately improve Houston’s firepower.

Jonathan Allen, DE, Redskins

Allen slipped in the draft right to Washington, where he likely will be inserted as an immediate starter on the defensive line. His versatility will allow him to rush the likes of Eli Manning and stuff the likes of Ezekiel Elliott in the NFC East.

Adoree' Jackson, CB, Titans

If not a starter at corner, Jackson at least will provide Tennessee immediate depth at the position. He’s expected to give the Titans a significant boost in the return game, and, GM Jon Robinson says, the team might even “sprinkle him in on offense.”

Garett Bolles, OT, Broncos

Bolles reportedly will compete for the starting left tackle job in Denver, and he has a good chance to earn the spot over Donald Stephenson. Fellow newcomer (via free agency) Ronald Leary already is impressed with the rookie who’s expected to provide the stability Denver has lacked at the position for years.

Tre’Davious White, CB, Bills

The departure of Stephon Gilmore in free agency means White will have a chance to start immediately in Buffalo. If the Bills let him show off the punt-return ability he displayed at LSU, his rookie impact will be even greater.

Kevin King, CB, Packers

King’s size (6-3, 200 pounds) gives Green Bay something it didn’t have on its roster before the draft: a big-but-agile corner who can run with anybody. While Richard Sherman comparisons are premature, that’s the kind of player the Packers think they might have in King, who will get plenty chances to play as a rookie in Green Bay’s deep-but-lackluster stable of corners.

Cam Robinson, OL, Jaguars

Robinson at Alabama developed a reputation as a powerful run-blocker, making him an ideal draft compliment to pair with Jacksonville’s first pick, running back Leonard Fournette. Robinson will improve the Jags’ line no matter where he plays — he could steal the left tackle job from Branden Albert or slide to left guard as a rookie.

Zay Jones, WR, Bills

Even if top wide receiver Sammy Watkins manages to stay healthy in 2017, the Bills need Jones to provide at least the same (hopefully better) production Robert Woods gave them before he left in free agency. Jones’ short-route ability makes him an ideal fit in Rick Dennison’s offense.

Forrest Lamp, G, Chargers

Los Angeles has been transitioning into a team that relies more on its defense and running game, theoretically reducing the burden on Philip Rivers and the passing game. Lamp, a strong run-blocker, can help continue that trend as D.J. Fluker’s replacement. The Chargers' third-round pick, guard Dan Feeney, should be included in this conversation, too.

Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals

Yes, Cincinnati still employs both Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard, but the rookie's skill set is considered a combination of the former’s power and the latter’s quickness. While many won’t be pleased to see Mixon on the field due to his well-documented off-field issues, he’s expected to earn significant playing time in Year 1.

Justin Evans, S, Buccaneers

Evans, given his superb coverage skills, has a good chance to start immediately at free safety and form a solid secondary duo with strong safety J.J. Wilcox. Helping Evans’ case is the fact that defensive coordinator Mike Smith considers him a “hybrid” safety who can assist in run support.

Raekwon McMillan, OLB, Dolphins

Though McMillan is transitioning from middle to outside linebacker in the NFL, his ability as a tackler gives him a good chance to earn the strong-side starting role. His presence will help a rush defense that gave up a league-worst 4.8 yards per carry last season.

Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Cowboys

Awuzie, with solid size for a corner at 6-0, 202 pounds, will be an immediate upgrade over Morris Claiborne in Dallas’ secondary. Not only is Awuzie more versatile, but he has a knack for making plays closer to the line of scrimmage.

Dion Dawkins, OL, Bills

Dawkins is the third Bill on this list and the third likely immediate starter Buffalo drafted with its first three picks. Whether he wins the right tackle job or slides inside to guard, he will immediately aid in the running game.

Pat Elflein, C, Vikings

For the NFL’s worst rushing team in 2016, a team that drafted Dalvin Cook and signed Latavius Murray in free agency, Elflein was a necessary addition to an offensive line that needs serious improvement if the Vikings want those running backs to succeed in 2017.